Overview

Brunel University London’s impact on the future wages of its graduates is among the best in the country compared to other universities, according to a new analysis of government data by The Economist (2017).

About the course

Handling large amounts of data efficiently and quickly is becoming an increasingly important aspect of computing. Businesses need to understand trends in data which will allow them to make informed and timely decisions. Artificial intelligence (AI) and the techniques it embraces provide opportunities for this to happen and make sense of ‘Big Data’. Qualified graduates with the skills and ability in AI to take advantage of these opportunities are in great demand; providing those graduates allows us to confront the many challenges that lie ahead. Brunel’s course in Computer Science, specialising in artificial intelligence, will expose you to the foundations, theory and practical aspects of computer science and AI.

You’ll gain a good understanding of computer science and a grasp of the important elements of a computer system. You’ll also learn how to build different types of software – from web-based systems to mobile solutions. In the final year you’ll take compulsory modules in advanced computer science and choose options from a range of computing topics.

By specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) you will learn about a range of techniques which can be applied in software to solve complex problems. AI can be found in modern games, financial trading systems and medical systems to enhance the software solutions in each of these areas.

To view the Made in Brunel - Software Innovation showcase video pleaseclick here.

Aims

The aim of all undergraduate programmes offered by Department of Computer Science is primarily to equip our graduates with appropriate knowledge and skills required for their mainly commercial careers, making them highly employable.

Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) programme graduates will be able to:

• Understand the nature, diversity and limitations of software artefacts (or programs) that display apparently intelligent behaviour, to understand a range of machine learning paradigms and to be able to apply them to the production of innovative and useful artefacts.

Enquiries

Course Content

Level 1

Our Level 1 course meets the needs of students joining us from a wide variety of backgrounds and with diverse computing experience. These classes build a firm foundation for the rest of your degree by introducing you to the style and ethos of both the School and the computing profession. Foundation units include:

Software Design

Software Implementation Event

Level 1 Group Project

Fundamental Programming Assessment

Data and Information

Introductory Programming

Information Systems and Organisations

Logic and Computation

By the end of Level 1, regardless of your degree programme, you’ll have covered the fundamental concepts of computer science and information systems, with a particular emphasis on programming. You’ll then be ready to explore them in greater depth at Level 2. See below for typical modules.

Level 2

Level 2 Group Project

Software Development and Management

Usability Engineering

Algorithms and their Applications

Networks and Operating Systems

You’ll further specialise to cover systems analysis and design by the end of Level 2 – having also have studied foundation topics such as logic which leads into AI, operating systems and network architectures.

Level 3

Final Year Computer Science Project

Advanced Topics in Computer Science

Artificial Intelligence

Optional Level 3 modules

Software Project Management

Software Engineering

Network Computing

Digital Media and Games

Human-Computer Interaction

Cybersecurity.

Final year project

This is a substantial individual project for which you research an artificial intelligence topic in-depth. If you’re on a sandwich course it’s quite likely that this project will be of interest to future employers. This is assessed and is worth a third of your Level 3 marks.

In this final year, you’ll continue to specialise in artificial intelligence. At the same time you’ll study options to broaden your understanding of computing. You’ll begin to address research-level issues in areas such as software engineering, information systems, simulation modelling, digital media and games, network computing and artificial intelligence.

We revise the options available each year to reflect the range of specialist interests among our staff, and industry trends.

Employability

As a Brunel Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence) graduate you’ll enjoy excellent employment prospects. Our combination of work experience and up-to-date teaching means that you’ll be well-equipped to follow the career you want after graduation.

Our graduates are high quality experts able to handle the increasing demands of scientific, technological and commercial development in the new millennium. Not unexpectedly, they’re in high demand with the wide-ranging companies and organisations increasingly dependent on computer technology.

92% of our Computer Science graduates are either employed or in further study within the first six months of graduating (DHLE, 2015/16)

Careers

Our graduates have a wide range of careers open to them. Perhaps you’ll start by becoming a general analyst/programmer. Or join a consultancy firm – often just a first step toward setting up your own business. The industry’s major companies all have openings for well-qualified personnel. Students with ‘sandwich’ experience are particularly in demand for the better graduate appointments.

Recent graduates have gone on to work for well-known companies and organisations including:

Accenture

Anderson Consulting

Barclays

British Airways

British Telecom

Compaq

Demon

HSBC

IBM

Logica

The Meteorological Office

Microsoft

Morgan Stanley

O2

Oracle

Orange

Toshiba.

As a good honours graduate you may also be able to study for a higher degree in one of our research areas such as information systems/machine interface, simulation modelling and software engineering.

Work Placements

We know just how much experience counts in the job market. So you’ll have the opportunity to gain invaluable paid work experience alongside experts in industry, the public sector and commerce – both in the UK or overseas.

At Brunel we provide many opportunities and experiences within your degree programme and beyond – work-based learning, professional support services, volunteering, mentoring, sports, arts, clubs, societies, and much, much more – and we encourage you to make the most of them, so that you can make the most of yourself.

Access to Higher Education Diploma Complete and pass a related subject Access course with 45 credits at Level 3 with Merit in all units. Applicants must also have 2 years Computing or IT related work experience.

Foundations of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics course For Brunel Foundation of Information Systems, Computing and Mathematics progression requirements, see the course page.

Five GCSEs at grade C or grade 4 and above are also required, to include Maths and English Language.

Please check our Admissions pages for more information on other factors we use to assess applicants as well as our full GCSE requirements and accepted equivalencies in place of GCSEs.

Entry criteria are subject to review and change each academic year.

International and EU Entry Requirements

If your country or institution is not listed or if you are not sure whether your institution is eligible, please contact Admissions

This information is for guidance only by Brunel University London and by meeting the academic requirements does not guarantee entry for our courses as applications are assessed on case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirements

Brunel University London strongly recommends that if you will require a Tier 4 visa, you sit your IELTS test at a test centre that has been approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as being a provider of a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Not all test centres have this status. The University can accept IELTS (with the required scores) taken at any official test centre or other English Language qualifications we accept as meeting our main award entry requirements.

However, if you wish to undertake a Pre-sessional English course to further improve your English prior to the start of your degree course, you must sit the test at an approved SELT provider. This is because you will only be able to apply for a Tier 4 student visa to undertake a Pre-sessional English course if you hold a SELT from a UKVI approved test centre. Find out more information about it.

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accepts a range of other language courses. We also have Pre-sessional English language courses for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English. Find out more information about English course and test options.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching

We take great care to make the transition from school or college to university as smooth as possible. Project groups of four students meet for weekly reviews with a personal group tutor. This both ensures continuity and helps you get to know your tutor – something that’s particularly important in your first year.

Overall we take an innovative, dynamic and highly participative approach to teaching that’s supported by state-of-the-art subject understanding and the advice of our Industry Advisory Board. Our staff are always willing to support and provide practical guidance to students.

How many hours study a week are involved?

About 12 hours of directed study. Staff are normally also happy to answer queries outside of classes. In addition we expect you to put in an average of 25 to 35 hours of private study weekly.

How will I be taught?

Lectures These offer a broad overview of key concepts and ideas relating to computer science or information systems – a useful framework from which you can pursue more in-depth study.

Laboratory work This helps you to develop and understand the technical skills for building software using methods and techniques introduced in lectures. You’ll do individual work – but with a tutor always on hand to lead discussion on common issues as they arise.

Small groups In the first and second years you’ll work on a computing-related problem with regular guidance from a member of staff. He/she will be available week by week to help your group with any problems. These small-group activities will enable you to develop key professional skills such as report writing, evaluation and, crucially, communication skills.

One-to-one In your final year you’ll normally have one-to-one supervision for your major project. The department has a team of personal tutors so there’s always someone available to discuss personal or academic problems. If you go on placement, your personal tutor will help you set objectives and monitor your progress – and provide further support if you need it.

Talks from guest speakers We invite guest speakers from prominent organisations to present on relevant subjects. We also host weekly talks on topical computing research issues. If you do work experience, this will also be an important part of your professional development.

Assessment

This varies from one module to another and may be based entirely on coursework, entirely on examination or on a combination of both. It’s just as important for you to learn how to establish your own criteria for assessment as it is to be able to assess the quality and value of your own work reliably.

Level 1 does not count towards your final degree classification. Level 2 is worth a third and Level 3 accounts for two thirds. Your final year project is worth a third of the Level 3 marks.

Our department holds the Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of our activities and practices in relation to the Athena SWAN Charter for equality

‘Project centric’ – one third of the programme is project-basedWe know that when you graduate, you’ll be working on large projects. That’s why one third of each year of our programmes is project-based. In Level 1 and 2 you’ll build a software solution in a team, and in your final year you’ll carry out an individual project.

Flexible programmes – choose as you go alongWe know that many computer science and information systems students don’t know exactly which programme they wish to study. Our programme is designed to allow you to specialise gradually during your time with us. If you choose one of our programmes, you’re free to alter it as you go: choose information systems or computing in level 2, and then choose your specialist options in level 3.

Excellent links with industryOur lecturers often work as consultants for major blue chip companies at home and overseas. More than 50 academic staff teach in the department, many having a background in the computer industry. Practically all are involved in our applied computing research which includes information systems, software engineering, knowledge-based systems, and simulation modelling. The Department of Computer Science is a member of the Microsoft Alliance, the Apple iOS Academic Developer Programme and is an nVidia CUDA Teaching Center.

A vibrant, friendly, safe campus in a great location near LondonAll the advantages of affordable living costs, an international community, world-class sports and social facilities and a thriving arts and social scene.

Women in Engineering and Computing Programme - Brunel’s Women in Engineering and Computing mentoring scheme provides our female students with invaluable help and support from their industry mentors.

Accreditation

The course offers full exemption from the British Computer Society’s professional examinations, allowing graduates to attain professional membership of the Society (MBCS) after a shortened period of relevant experience and training. The course also fulfils the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer (full IEng accreditation) and part of the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (partial CEng accreditation).

Facts and Figures

A Brunel Computer Science degree is a recognised symbol of quality. Brunel has roots in education dating back to 1798 as well as a very strong technological heritage.

The Department has a number of servers for the exclusive use of our students. They run current state-of-the-art software. The Department is a member of the Microsoft Alliance.

Our courses are taught by nearly 50 academic staff, many with a background in the computer industry. Practically all are involved in our application-oriented research, which includes information systems, software engineering, knowledge-based systems, and simulation modelling.